Deb Bowen also works for youth exchange giving her access to know amazing high school aged students from all over the world.
Many consider the exchange programs to be a step in the right direction toward world peace. The concept of youth exchange was born after WWII in an effort to encourage young people around the world.
Many of the exchange students have been involved in Holocaust projects. Here are their stories:
German exchange students help with Holocaust Education in the Quad Cities. Barbara (left) wrote a children's book about her hero Irena Sendler - a Righteous Gentile. She felt this effort gives her support saying "Never Again". Barbara shared she was frequently called a Nazi as a child and even during her teen years. Although sure it was meant as a joke, it has caused much pain in her life. She has dealt with the shame and is encouraged to be part of the solution. Becoming a young author and telling an important story did just that!
Roberta (right) played a lead role in the play * And Then They Came For Me - Remembering the World of Anne Frank at her school. Roberta was honored to accompany Eva lighting a candle at Holocaust Remembrance in 2007. *Learn more about this play and using it at your school at www.evaschloss.com
Sergui from Romania, Ida Kramer (Quad Cities Holocaust Expert)
and Barbara from Germany.
Sergui wrote a children's book about Eva Schloss (whose mother married Otto Frank after the war) and Barbara wrote one about Righteous Gentile Irena Sendler.
Exchange Student Laura of Germany meets
Survivor Esther Avruch and Survivor Sam Harris
International Student Marlies of Austria was touched by the story of fellow exchange student Marcello of Brazil. His grandfather was a Romanian Jew who jumped from the train and made his way to Brazil. Marlies documented this story in a children's book and once published these books will be translated into other languages.
Dr. Lisa Killinger from the Quad Cities Muslim community brought it to Deb's attention there were Muslim families who protected Jews during World War II. After researching, Deb found a website that tells many stories of such rescues. Young authors Ahmed of Yemen and Alya of Oman used their talents to write and illustrate a children's book about these wonderful Muslim families who are heroes. www.eyecontactfoundation.org
Alya from Oman (left) with her hero Bajram from Albania whose father hid Jewish families and Ahmed from Yemen with his hero Basri from Kosovo who helped hide Jews during WWII.
Wonderful host families with good family values are always needed.
Please fill out the applicaiton today!
International Student Exchange is a non-profit organization